Melissa Cristina Marquez

Behold! A curated combination of things that would make a great gift, in my opinion, for just about any Chondrichthyan-lover you’re shopping for (including yourself).

​Greetings from Sydney! If you've been reading for a while now you know that I made it across the Tasman Sea safe and sound (all of my suitcases in tote) and feel like I’ve been living an absolute dream! Since touching down, I’ve hit the ground running— already spending ample time in Hyde Park, Kensington Palace and some of my favorite spots. The evening I arrived my husband made sure to we paid the Opera House and Harbour Bridge a visit, letting this whole crazy dream fully sink in. Since then it’s been lots of bus and train rides, being frustrated at telephone companies (Optus, not Telstra), supermarket runs, neighborhood strolls, museum visits, going to the "touristy" parts of the city (like the zoo) and plenty of errands to make our adorable little house feel like home! 

I was beyond nervous to leave New Zealand (buh-bye routine), but the second I set foot on the plane I felt like moving here has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made! The downside of my husband having a job immediately as he touched down and me getting one not too long after is that we didn't get time to be "tourists" in our new city. Our schedules vary, so we don't have days off together either (I get Sat/Sun off and he gets Tues/Wed) which has made me try to fit all my work in before he comes home so we can spend what little time we do have together together and without any distractions.

It goes without saying Sydney is incredible! I’ve definitely been getting snap happy, taking photos of every beautiful sight I see, but I’ve been feeling extremely lucky for this opportunity and want to soak in every single minute. From the parks to museums to the restaurants and culture, there’s SO much to do, explore and see! I’ve given myself a little leeway to get reacquainted with the city, revisiting some of my favorite areas and discovering new ones, but now that this huge move is behind me and the future is bright ahead, I’m excited to dive back into this blog, now with a change of scenery!
​